Coupling



Nov. 22, 1932. BABCQCK 1,888,966

COUPLING Filed Aug. 28, 1951 [nu-anion Ju577/v K. BfiBCOCK v dim STATESPATENT OFFICE.

JUSTIN K. BABCOCK, OF CLEVELAND, OHIO COUPLING Application filed. August28, 1931. Serial No. 560,009.

D they may be easily coupled and uncoupled and at the same time besimple and sturdy. Other ob ects may later become apparent.

The invention is characterized by the use of a frame constructed with aslot for the receptlon and engagement of a link, a plate beingpositioned and arranged behind this slot so that when the link islowered it will ride out on this plate and be automatically dis-engaged.It is particularly advantageous J when used in connection with a crane,as the operator thereof may couple and uncouple the lifting cable fromobjects which are to be lifted by sidewise and vertical manipulation ofthe cable, thus obviating the need of a helper on the floor.

In the drawing: Figure 1 is a side view of an example of this inventionas it appears in use.

Figure 2 is a vertical cross-section on the J line TTII of Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a horizontal cross-section on the line IHIII of Figure 1.

Fai ing reference to this drawing, a tank 2 containing liquid is to beused in pickling coils of lnetal rods 3 carried on the hanger apparatus4. The coupling forming the subject of this invention is shown fixed tothis hanger for the purpose of facilitating its movement into and out ofthe tank. This coupling comprises a semi-cylindrically endedstraight-sided frame 5 constructed with a slot 6 beginning in its topend and continuing down one side in enlarged proportions. A flat plate 7is fixed to the bottom part of this slot and is inclined from there upto the inner wall of the opposite side of the frame, this platepreferably being welded in place.

A tubular cross-bar of the hanger A passes through the frame 5 beneaththe plate 7 and is bolted in position, both side ends of the frame 5being open. A link comprising a shank 8 and enlarged end 9 is shownengaged in the top of the frame 5 and affixed to a lifting cable 10.

The coupling is now in lifting position,

and it may be observed that, because of the simplicity and size of theparts, there is little danger of breakage under lifting strains or ofdisengagement.

The enlarged end 9 is shown in rounded form so that the frame 5 fixed tothe hanger 4L- may be rotated if desired, this end being constructedwith flat sides when it is necessary to hold the hanger againstrotation. When the crane operator desires to release the coupling hemerely releases the tension on the cable 10, allowing the link to fallso that its enlarged end 9 rides along the plate 7 and out of the slot6, as indicated by dotted lines in Figure 2, this action being reversedwhen he desires to recouple.

A specific example of this invention is shown in compliance with thepatent statutes, and not with the intention of limiting its scopethereto, except as defined by the appended claim.

I claim:

A coupling comprising, in combination, a frame having semi-cylindricallyshaped ends in straight back and forth side walls, one of said sidewalls being provided with a slot which extends from its upper enddownwardly in enlarged proportions, a flat deflector plate extendingfrom the bottom wall of said slot upwardly and rearwardly to theopposite side wall, said plate being welded in position and a linkhaving an enlarged lower end for insertion through the enlarged part ofsaid slot in said frame for engagement with the top thereof.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand.

JUSTIN K. BABCOCK.

